Designed to Reflect You

Global Eyewear Brands’ First Choice in Manufacturing

Optical Frame Material

Performance • Comfort • Sustainability

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READSUN has been deeply involved in the optical frame industry for 20 years, possessing expertise in all categories of materials:

Acetate, Epoxy resin, Titanium alloy, Stainless steel, Ultem, TR90, CP, Bio-based materials and sustainable sheets

We help brands achieve the optimal balance between comfort, durability, design language, cost structure, and sustainability.

Optical Frame Materials Overview

Below are the seven most critical material systems in optical eyeglass frames.

Acetate Fiber
Stainless Steel
Titanium
TR90
Ultem
CP
Resin

Acetate Fiber Acetate Sheets
Features:
High-quality feel, rich colors, natural texture
Can be laminated to create patterns, gradients, transparency, and other effects
Warm and comfortable to the touch
Mainstream choice for high-end fashion brands
Common Uses:
Optics / Sunglasses / Children's Acetate Frames / Acetate Hanging Mirrors
How Choose:
Enables strong visual identity and seasonal differentiation. Supports complex colors, layering, engraving, and refinishing — helping brands maintain premium positioning and extend product lifecycle.
Stainless Steel
A balance between cost and performance.
Features:
Heavier than titanium, yet still lighter.
Thinner structure allows for flexible design.
Suitable for high-volume, stable production.
Common Uses:
Metal optical frames, metal sunglasses.
How Choose:
Cost-effective yet durable. Provides sleek design options and stable quality at scale, ideal for chain stores or large retail programs. Reliable for repeat orders.
Titanium
Premium lightweight material.
Features:
Ultralight weight
Corrosion-resistant, hypoallergenic
High strength yet flexible
Suitable for sophisticated men and minimalist styles
Common Uses:
Optical metal series / Hybrid structures (metal + sheet metal)
How Choose:
Chosen by brands targeting high-end comfort and long-term user loyalty. Ultra-light, corrosion-resistant, and skin-friendly — ideal for premium optical lines.
TR90（TR）
High-toughness, lightweight injection molding material.
Features:
High efficiency for mass production
High cost-effectiveness
Drop-resistant and non-deformable
Mostly used in fast fashion/children's wear
Common Uses:
Children's optics, commercial mass-production models, sports frames
How Choose:
Flexible and impact-resistant, reducing breakage and after-sales issues. Ideal for children or high-activity users. Supports lightweight and comfortable long-term wear.
Ultem
High-performance engineering materials
Features:
Ultralight
High temperature resistant
High toughness, not easy to break
Suitable for sports glasses / children's glasses
Common Uses:
Sports optics / Child safety frames / High-performance sunglasses
How Choose:
Extremely durable and heat-resistant. Perfect for frames that undergo repeated bending or heavy use, like sports or functional eyewear. Minimizes returns and strengthens brand reliability.
CP (Cellulose Propionate)
Lighter and more flexible than acetate.
Features:
Lighter than Acetate
Fine color reproduction
Perfect for youthful and lightweight designs
Common Uses:
Fashion optics / Sunglasses / Youth collections
How Choose:
Lightweight, hypoallergenic, and highly customizable. Allows premium fashion designs with rich colors and layered effects, helping brands differentiate in competitive markets
Epoxy & Combination Resin
Used to achieve complex color and pattern combinations.
Features:
Can combine different colors, textures, and metal structures to create highly complex appearances
Used in high-end designs and collaborations
Common Uses:
Optical sheet materials, high-end collaboration series
How Choose:
Versatile and cost-efficient, suitable for colorful or decorative frames. Easy to mold and finish, allowing rapid prototyping and seasonal updates. Brands can offer trendy designs without high material costs.

Optical Frame Materials Comparison

The choice of materials is not a choice of cost, but a choice of brand strategy.

Material	Material	Durability	Comfort	Hypoallergenic	Best For
Acet ate	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	✔	Premium optical / Fashion
Stainless Steel	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	✔	Slim metal styles
Titanium	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	✔	Luxury & High-comfort
TR90	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	✔	Kids / Sports
Carbon Fiber	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	✔	Performance & Sports
Silicone	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	✔	Sports & Kids contact parts

Material Selection Recommendations

Premium Aesthetic + Trend-Forward Expression

Acetate / Epoxy / CP

Premium Lightweight + Stable Structure

Titanium / ULTEM

High Value-for-Money + Rapid Market Expansion

TR / Stainless Steel

Children’s collection material priority

ULTEM >TR90 >Acetate

Due to safety standards

Sustainability System Starting From Raw Materials

READSUN’s sustainability system goes far beyond “eco-friendly materials”—it’s a full-cycle sustainability approach, encompassing everything from raw material sourcing to the entire supply chain.

Bio-Based Acetate

Cellulose Acetate

Renewable
Low-carbon
Recyclable
Biodegradable under specific conditions

The leading sustainable sheet material used by luxury brands.

Recycled Metals

Stainless Steel / Titanium

Reduces the need for virgin mining
Lower carbon footprint
Ideal for premium brands’ sustainability messaging

Recycled TR / Recycled CP

Recycled Thermoplastics

Reduces the need for virgin mining
Lower carbon footprint
Ideal for premium brands’ sustainability messaging

Sustainable Packaging

Recycled Thermoplastics

FSC-certified packaging
Plastic reduction solutions
Paper-based alternatives

Material Sustainability Isn’t Just a Trend—It’s a Core Competitive Advantage for Brands Over the Next Three Years.

READSUN delivers a full-cycle sustainability system spanning materials → manufacturing processes → packaging → supply chain, empowering brands to gain an edge in regulatory compliance, brand equity, and long-term consumer trust in the U.S. and European markets.

Discover Sustainable Eyewear Frames

Not Sure Which Material is Right for Your Next Collection?

Our design and engineering team will guide you through every step—from concept to material selection—and deliver prototypes in just 7–10 days.

Contact our Materials Expert Team

Designed to Reflect You

Global Eyewear Brands’ First Choice in Manufacturing

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Optical Frame Material

READSUN has been deeply involved in the optical frame industry for 20 years, possessing expertise in all categories of materials:

Optical Frame Materials Overview

Acetate Fiber Acetate Sheets

Stainless Steel

Titanium

TR90（TR）

Ultem

CP (Cellulose Propionate)

Epoxy & Combination Resin

Optical Frame Materials Comparison

Acet ate

Stainless Steel

Titanium

TR90

Carbon Fiber

Silicone